PB Cohen Creations
Care
Oxidation is the chemical process that takes place when a substance combines with oxygen. When iron oxidizes, rust is formed. When silver oxidizes, it tarnishes, or turns black. All metal oxidizes, but some metals react to oxygen more quickly than others (you've probably never seen aluminum that isn't oxidized, unless it's been anodized).
A lot of jewelry is allowed to oxidize to a certain extent on purpose — this adds "color" and interest to a piece. But you'll probably want to keep the pieces from tarnishing further. Here are some tips about caring for your new jewelry. If a particular piece has specific care information, you can read that on the item's page.
Oxidation: The best way to keep a piece from oxidizing (further) is to keep it sealed up in a reclosable "ziplock" type plastic bag, with all the air pushed out. A more stylish option is a good quality jewelry box, nicely padded to create an airtight seal, and kept closed. Even with these precautions, and particularly if you wear the piece often, you may need to shine it with a standard jewelry polishing cloth. I have never tried a liquid dip polish, SO I CANNOT RECOMMEND IT for use on non-metal objects, but I have heard that people have good luck with them. Try it at your own risk.
Cleaning: Things get dirty. Get the piece wet in warm water, and place it flat on a clean cutting board. Put some mild dish soap (no toothpaste!) on an old or unused hand-powered toothbrush, and scrub away. You want enough friction to create suds, but not so much you'll damage the piece. Scrubbing against a cutting board should keep the piece protected. Particularly if it's a chain, work on a small section at a time, supporting the rest with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly and dry gently using a lint-free, soft cloth. You may find this method will shine the piece up enough that you won't need a polishing cloth.
A lot of jewelry is allowed to oxidize to a certain extent on purpose — this adds "color" and interest to a piece. But you'll probably want to keep the pieces from tarnishing further. Here are some tips about caring for your new jewelry. If a particular piece has specific care information, you can read that on the item's page.
Oxidation: The best way to keep a piece from oxidizing (further) is to keep it sealed up in a reclosable "ziplock" type plastic bag, with all the air pushed out. A more stylish option is a good quality jewelry box, nicely padded to create an airtight seal, and kept closed. Even with these precautions, and particularly if you wear the piece often, you may need to shine it with a standard jewelry polishing cloth. I have never tried a liquid dip polish, SO I CANNOT RECOMMEND IT for use on non-metal objects, but I have heard that people have good luck with them. Try it at your own risk.
Cleaning: Things get dirty. Get the piece wet in warm water, and place it flat on a clean cutting board. Put some mild dish soap (no toothpaste!) on an old or unused hand-powered toothbrush, and scrub away. You want enough friction to create suds, but not so much you'll damage the piece. Scrubbing against a cutting board should keep the piece protected. Particularly if it's a chain, work on a small section at a time, supporting the rest with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly and dry gently using a lint-free, soft cloth. You may find this method will shine the piece up enough that you won't need a polishing cloth.